Spinning reel having a free spool and a drag state

ABSTRACT

A spinning reel for fishing 10 comprises a spool shaft 17 reciprocal in an axial direction during rotation of a handle shaft and a being provided at a first axial end of the spool shaft. The reel includes an adjustable drag mechanism 23 including a core block fixed to the spool shaft, provided at a second axial end of the shaft, opposite to the first axial end of the spool, a rotor for winding line onto the spool and a switch means for selectively engaging between a first &#34;normal&#34; drag state in which the spool shaft is inhibited from rotating and a free spool state in which the spool shaft may be free to rotate subject to the adjustable drag mechanism. A switch mechanism associated with the switch means comprises a plate adapted to move parallel to the axis 17A of the spool shaft, between a first and a second stable positions. The plate defines a protrusion at one end 
     When the switch is in the first of the two stable positions the protrusion is adapted to engage in a corresponding female slot in the core block to prevent rotation of the core block and hence the spool shaft. 
     The switch is movable to the second position in which the protrusion is disengaged from the female slot and the core block and spool are free to rotate relative to the switch.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a spinning reel for fishing. In particular, itrelates to a spinning reel of the type having a spool assembly includinga spool shaft which reciprocates in an axial direction on rotation of ahandle, the spool being provided at a first axial end of a spool shaft,and a drive mechanism being provided towards a second axial end of thespool shaft, opposite from the first axial end, and a rotor for windingline onto the spool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in such spinning reels, to provide a means for switching thespinning reel between a free spool state in which the spool shaft isdecoupled from a drag mechanism, and is free to rotate, and a drag statein which the spool shaft is operatively connected to a drag mechanismand inhibited from rotating.

One such spinning reel is described in U.S. Pat. No 5,511,735. Themechanism described in the specification of that patent is complicatedand there are a large number of moving parts and assemblies associatedwith switching the reel from a drag condition to a free spool condition.The complexity of the design of the spinning reel shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,511,735 both in terms of the component design and the number ofcomponents makes the reel expensive to manufacture and unnecessarilycomplicated.

A number of different designs of spinning reels which also have a freespool function are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,077 which share thesame problems as U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,735 in terms of the complicationand consequent expense of the components and the overall design.

The present invention seeks to provide a simpler design which is easierand cheaper to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, according to the present invention there is provided a spinningreel for fishing comprising:

a casing;

a spool shaft reciprocal in an axial direction during rotation of ahandle shaft, a spool provided at a first axial end of the spool shaft,and an adjustable drag mechanism including a block fixed to the spoolshaft, located at a second axial end of the shaft, opposite to the firstaxial end;

a rotor for winding line onto the spool;

a switch means for selectively engaging the spinning reel between afirst state or main drag condition in which the spool shaft is preventedfrom rotating relative to the casing, and a second state in which thespool shaft may be free to rotate or may rotate subject to light dragprovided by the adjustable drag mechanism; and

a switch mechanism associated with the switch means including a plate orthe like being arranged to move parallel to the axial direction of thespool shaft, between a first and a second stable position, and definingan engagement means at one end,

wherein when the switch mechanism is in the first of the two stablepositions the engagement means is adapted to engage with a matingengagement means in the block to prevent rotation of the block and thespool shaft relative to the switch means and the casing; and

wherein the switch mechanism is movable to the second position in whichthe engagement means is disengaged from the mating engagement means inthe block, and the block and spool are free to rotate relative to theswitch means subject to the adjustable drag mechanism.

Conveniently, the switch mechanism may be stabilised in the first andsecond positions by at least one leaf spring.

In a preferred embodiment one end of the plate defines the engagementmeans in the form of a protrusion and the mating engagement meanscomprise a slot or recess in the block and the switch means which movesthe plate parallel to the spool shaft axis, protrudes in a substantiallyperpendicular direction from the casing of the spinning reel.

It is preferred that the plate defines a protrusion which, when theplate is in the free spool state, is contacted by all engagement surfacedefined on the main gear of the reel, the arrangement being such thatwhen the gear is rotated in a first direction, for reeling in fishingline, the protrusion is displaced by the surface, and hence the plate isdisplaced to set the spool to a normal drag state.

Advantageously, the engagement surface is movable relative to the maingear when the reel is switched from the normal drag condition to thefree spool condition so that a free spool condition call be set withoutturning the main gear.

Conveniently, the engagement surface is defined at one end of a clawwhich is pivotally mounted on the main gear, so that if the main gear isturned in a second direction opposite to the first direction, if theclaw contacts the protrusion, the claw deflects to avoid damaging ormoving the protrusion.

In an alternative embodiment the plate is moved between the first andsecond positions by the operation of rotation of a first lever about afirst axis.

Preferably, the first lever is fixed to a shaft which is mounted in themain body of the spinning wheel along the axis, the shaft projectsoutside the main body of the spinning reel and a button or switch isfixed to shaft such that operation of the button or switch causes themain lever to rotate about its axis.

Conveniently, spring biasing means are provided to bias the lever infirst and second extreme positions corresponding to the spinning reelbeing in the first and second states, respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the plate includes an elongate slot and aprojection is fixed to the first lever which projects from the firstlever into the slot, the slot defining an engagement surface, being anedge of the elongate slot which is distal from the block, and whereinthe projection and the plate are connected by a spring means whichbiases the projection towards the engagement surface away from theblock, the arrangement being such that movement of the projection awayfrom the block causes the projection to contact the engagement surface,and move the plate away from the block, and movement of the projectiontowards the block moves the plate towards the block or biases the plateto move towards the block through the spring means.

It is preferred that a handle is adapted to turn a main gear of the reeland the main gear of the reel defines one or more cams which are fixedto the main gear, the spinning reel further including;

a second lever mounted for rotation about the axis, an extreme end ofthe second lever distal from the axis defining an end surface arrangedto be contactable with the at least one cam defined on the main gear,the second lever being operatively connected to the first lever by meansof a spring means which connects the second lever to a plate means whichis integral with and extends generally orthogonally from the firstlever;

wherein the plate means is disposed in the path of the second lever asit rotates about the axis and can thus act as a stop plate and preventthe second lever from rotating relative to the first lever, the springmeans acting to bias the second lever towards the stop plate;

the arrangement being such that when the reel is in the free spoolcondition, rotation of the main gear in a first (eg clockwise) directionabout its axis causes one of the cams to engage with the end surfacedefined on the second lever and attempt to cause the second lever torotate about the first axis in the opposite (ie anticlockwise)direction, but wherein the stop means prevents rotation in that opposite(anticlockwise) direction and further movement of the cam surface in thefirst (clockwise) direction forces the second lever to rotate in thefirst (clockwise) direction about the first axis by means of a wedgeeffect caused by the angle defined by the end surface relative to atangent to the main gear, thereby setting the spinning reel back to amain drag condition (from the free spool condition).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, and withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a spinning reel forfishing;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the reel shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic view of components of a mechanism of thefirst embodiment for switching the spinning reel from a free spool stateto a drag state;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the relationship between the switchassembly and the main gear of the spinning reel in the first embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a schematic drawing illustrating the inter-engagement of theswitch assembly and a claw arrangement on the main gear in the firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a similar view to FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a schematic planar section through a rear drag assembly of thespinning reel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic side section view through the first embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded schematic view of components of a secondembodiment of a mechanism for switching a spinning reel from a freespool state to a drag state and vice versa;

FIG. 7A is a similar view to FIG. 7 but showing the components of themechanism in different relative positions.

FIG. 8A is a schematic view showing the relationship between the switchassembly of the second embodiment and the main gear of a spinning reeland shown the reel set to a main drag condition; and

FIG. 8B is a similar view to FIG. 8A, but showing the switch assembly ina free spool position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings of the first embodiment, FIG. 1 shows aschematic view of the spinning reel, generally indicated at 10,according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The spinningreel includes a main body 12 which at its upper end, not shown, includesa means for attaching the spinning reel to a fishing rod, in the usualmanner.

From left to right as oriented in FIG. 1, a front end of the spinningreel defines an adjustable front tension assembly (also referred to as amain drag) generally indicated at 14, which retains a spool 16 on aspool shaft 17. The front tension assembly can be adjusted so that thespool is fixed relative to the spool shaft or can rotate on and relativeto the spool shaft when sufficient torque is applied between the spoolshaft and the spool. The spool shaft 17 defines a main longitudinal axis17A. Adjacent the spool is a rotor assembly 18 which is attached to themain body 12. On one side of the spinning reel body a switch 20 ismounted for operating a mechanism for switching the spinning reel fronta "free spool" state to a drag state which will be described in moredetail below. At the rear of the spinning reel there is a knob 22 whichadjusts an adjustable rear drag assembly 23 which acts on the spoolshaft when the reel is in the "free spool" state.

The spinning reel 10 also includes a device for locking the rotor fromrotating in a counter clockwise direction, as viewed from the front ofthe reel, operated by a button 24.

FIG. 2 shows the spinning reel from the rear and in particularillustrates the control knob 22 for the rear drag assembly and themanner in which the central part, 20A, of the button 20 protrudesoutwards generally perpendicular to the plane of the side casing of thespinning reel.

The spinning reel includes main gear components for reciprocating thespool 16 and rotating the rotor 18 when the handle of the reel (notillustrated) is turned.

FIG. 3 shows the main components of a mechanism for switching the spoolfrom a drag condition to a free spool condition.

All the components are arranged generally on the axis 17A of the spoolshaft of the spinning reel. The mechanism includes a core block 40 whichforms part of the rear drag assembly 23 and is located generally withinthe knob 22. The core block 40 is approximately cylindrical. A rear face41 of the block defines a series of teeth 41A which extend around therear circumference of the block. A series of five notches 42 in thecylindrical face of the block extend from a front face 43 of the blocktowards the rear face 41. A slot 44 is defined in the centre of thefront face 43. The slot is adapted to receive the rear end 46 of theshaft 17 so that the block 40 and the shaft always rotate together.

The switching mechanism comprises a plate 50 which is arranged to beslideable back and forth in the direction of the longitudinal axis 17Aas illustrated by arrows A-B. Two leaf springs 52 and 54 are connectedbetween the plate 50 and to the case/body of the spinning reel to biasthe lever so that it will rest at one of two stable positions I and II,illustrated in more detail in FIG. 4.

In position I which is shown in FIG. 4 in phantom, a protrusion 56 onthe rear end of the plate 50 fits in one of the five notches 42 in thecore block 40. In this condition the block 40 is not able to rotate andtherefore neither is the shaft 17 which is fixed relative to the block40. A protrusion 58 whose function will be described later, projectsfrom the plate in a generally perpendicular direction to the plate.

Returning to FIG. 3, a slot 59 is provided in the plate which receives aprotrusion 59A on button 20 to attach the button to the plate.

To set the spinning reel to a free spool condition, the control buttonand hence the plate, are pushed in the direction B until the plate flipsfrom position I to position II and stays there firmly under the actionof the leaf springs 52 and 54. In this condition, the protrusion 56 isno longer resting in one of the notches 42 of the core block and hencethe core block and spool are not prevented from rotating relative to theplate. In such a free spool condition the spool which is mounted on theshaft rotates easily and hence pulling fishing line from the spool iseasy and provides little resistance. To prevent the spool from movingtoo freely the adjustable drag assembly 23, best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6is provided which provides an adjustable drag force mechanism which canbe used to inhibit rotation of the spool.

The rear drag mechanism is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 5. Theparticular construction of the mechanism is not a significant feature ofthe invention and essentially comprises all adjustable friction meansfor resisting rotation of core block 40, controlled by knob 22.

FIG. 4 shows the main gear 80 of the spinning reel which is turned toreel in fishing line. A series of three claws 82 (one of which is shownbold--the other two faint) are disposed around the main gear 80, eachone defining an end surface 84. The claws 82 are generally planar andeach claw includes a central arcuate slot 83. A pin or pivot 85 extendsthrough each slot and a spring 87 retains each claw on the pin, as apart of the main gear. When the main gear is rotated in the direction ofarrow C when a handle, not shown, is turned, the surface 84 contactsprotrusion 58 on the plate to push the lever back to position I in whichthe spool operates under a main drag conditions in an operationdescribed in more detail below.

FIG. 4A, illustrates the process for setting the spinning reel to a freespool state. In that Figure, one claw is shown in four positions a, b,c, d as it moves relative to the gear 80. When plate 50 is pushed indirection B to move the reel to a free spool state, the protrusion 58moves with the plate. If one of the claws were in position 82a, as shownin FIG. 4A, the protrusion 58 contacts end surface 84a of the claw whenit has travelled only a short distance, say 3.92 mm, which isinsufficient distance to free the protrusion 56 from the block 40, setthe reel to a free spool condition.

Once the protrusion 58 contacts the surface 84, the claw 82 is thenpushed back relative to the pin 85 until the protrusion has travelledsufficient distance (9 mm) to set the reel to a free spool condition atwhich time the opposite end of the claw is at position 82d. Intermediatepositions are shown in FIG. 4A at 84b and 84c, respectively. The factthat the claw moves relative to the main gear, reduces considerably theeffort required to set the free spool state. If the claw were notmovable relative to the main gear the main gear would have to be turnedto set the reel to free spool condition in the situation described abovewhich would provide significantly greater resistance compared with justmoving claw 82.

Referring to FIG. 4B once the lever 50 has been set on free spoolposition, the protrusion 58 will stay at the position 58II.

If the main gear 80 rotates in direction g, the claw 82 kicks the lever50 back to position I and during this process, there is no relativerotation between the claw 82 and the main gear 80 about the pivot.

If the main gear 80 is rotated in direction h, the outer peripheralsurface 87a will brush against protrusion 58. However, the claw 82 isfree to rotate relatively to the main gear 80 about the pivot pin 85 indirection d. The deflection of the claw avoids hard contact which coulddamage the parts.

Thus, in use a fisherman may cast a line and switch the spinning reel toa free spool condition. When the angler wishes to change the spinningreel to a normal drag condition, for example, to set a hook in a fishafter a fish has taken a hook on the cast line that can be done byeither pushing the button to flip the lever to position I or by turningthe main gear 80 in direction C, (refer to FIG. 4).

The provision of the adjustable drag assembly and switching means in asubstantially linear arrangement with the switching means engagingdirectly in the core block of the adjustable drag mechanism makes thedevice uncomplicated and relatively cheap and simple to manufacture.

FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B show a second embodiment of a spinning reel. In FIGS.7 to 8B, parts which have corresponding parts in FIGS. 1 to 7 arelargely given the same reference numerals as are used for thosecorresponding components in FIGS. 1 to 7. The spinning reel is visuallysimilar, and similar in overall design to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2except that the switch 20 for switching the spinning reel from a freespool state to a main drag state is positioned differently in thissecond embodiment and the switching mechanism itself is different.

FIG. 7 shows the main components of a mechanism for switching the spoolfrom a drag condition to a free spool condition. The mechanism includesa core block 140 which forms part of a rear drag assembly 23 (notillustrated in FIG. 7 but illustrated in respect of the firstembodiment).

The core block 140 is of similar design to the core block 40 shown inFIG. 3. FIG. 7 principally illustrates the differences between the firstand second embodiments, and certain features such as teeth for engagingwith the micro drag assembly not shown in FIG. 7, for reasons ofclarity. As shown, the core block 140 has seven slots, or notches 142,(of which only five are visible in the Figure) in the cylindrical endface 140a of the block. The core block 140 is fixed to the main axle 17in the same fashion as the first embodiment and the block 140 in theshaft 17 always rotates together about axis 17A.

The switching mechanism comprises a plate 150 which is arranged to beslidable back and forth in the direction of longitudinal axis 17A asillustrated by the arrows A, B.

The plate 150 includes a generally planar section 152 which isvertically oriented as shown in FIG. 7 and in which there is defined alongitudinal slot 154. In the end of the plate adjacent the core block140 there is a horizontally orientated portion 156, which may be formedby bending the plate, the distal edge 157 of which defines a protrusionwhich is oriented and located to be engageable in one of the slots 142in the core block 140.

FIG. 8A illustrates the mechanism when the plate 150 is moved indirection A into engagement with the block 140 ("position A"). FIG. 8Bshows the mechanism in "position B" when the plate is disengaged fromthe block 140.

The plate 150 is moved along the axial direction 17A by movement of arod or projection 160 which projects into slot 154 and is also connectedto the plate 150 by a spring 160a. When the rod 160 is moved indirection B, it contacts one side 154a of the slot 154 to cause theplate to also move in the direction B. When the rod is moved indirection A it pulls the spring 160a and this in turns pulls the plate150 in direction A. In the event that the protrusion 157 is stopped bythe end surface 140a of the core block and does not fit directly into aslot 142, the plate 150 is unable to move further in direction A. Inthis case, the spring 160a will stretch to allow the rod 160 to movefurther in direction A so that the rod 160 can reach its designatedposition. As soon as the block 140 has turned about the axis asufficient angle so that a slot and the protrusion coincide, the springwill push the protrusion 157 into that slot.

The rod is mounted on, and projects perpendicularly from, a lever 162which is non-rotatably fixed to an axle 164 which axle is mounted so asto be rotatable about its longitudinal axis 165. A button, or flipbutton 166 which is located externally of the casing of the fishing reelsuch that it is accessible by a person operating the reel is also fixedto the shaft 164 such that rotation of the button 166 about axis 165causes rotation of the lever 162 about the same axis. A spring 168 ismounted between the casing of the reel and the lever 162 and biases thelever, and thus the plate 150 in either position A in which the plate isengaged in the core block, ie in the drag position, shown in FIG. 8A orin position B, the free spool condition in which the plate and coreblock are disengaged as illustrated in FIG. 8B.

In the normal condition as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the lever 150 is inposition A in which the protrusion 157 sits in one of the notches 142,the block cannot rotate relative to the plate. Thus the block is fixedand in this situation the spool works under a main drag condition underthe control of the main drag assembly/front tension assembly.

In order to set the spinning reel to a free spool condition B, button166 is turned clockwise about axis 165 (as oriented in FIG. 7) in thedirection E. Lever 162 rotates clockwise about axis 165 (refer to FIG.7), the rod 160 moves in direction B removing the protrusion 157 frontthe notch 142 and the rod/plate are retained in position B by theoperation of the lever 162 and biasing spring 168.

Thus an angler can cast a line, then set the spinning reel to a freespool condition by use of the button 166: when the fish takes the baiton the end of the line the resistance to the movement of the fishingline is low therefore the hook is more likely to set in the mouth of thefish after which time the angler can then set the line to a main dragcondition.

This can either be done by merely flipping the button 166 back in thedirection D, or by rotating the main gear 180 which has a mechanism forreturning the spinning reel to a main drag condition once the main gearis turned to reel in a fish, as described below.

The mechanism comprises four cams 182 fixed to the main gear. The camsare fixed on the main gear. A further lever 184 is mounted on the shaft164 but in contrast to lever 162, lever 184 is freely rotatable aboutthe shaft. Lever 184 is linked to lever 162 by means of a spring 186which is mounted between two plates 184a which projects perpendicularlyfrom a distal end of lever 184 and plate 162a which projectsperpendicularly from a proximal end of lever 162. Lever 162a ispositioned so that it call abut lever 184. The lever 184 is plate likeand generally curved and defines an end surface 188 which, when thelever is the free spool position is contacted by the cam surfaces 182 asthe main gear rotates in the direction F (refer to FIG. 8B). In the freespool condition as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the cams impact on the endsurface 188 and try to push the lever 184 in an anti-clockwise direction(E) about the axis 165. However the plate 162a abuts the lever and thelever is prevented from turning in direction E. As the main gearcontinues to turn the cam continues to attempt to force the lever torotate in direction E, which is still opposed by the protrusion 162a andthe lever 162 which cannot turn in direction E. This causes a wedgeeffect and the cam forces the surface 188 away in the opposite directionD, as the cam 182 slides along surface 188. Thus the cam forces thelever 184 and 162, to rotate together in direction D. Rod 160 pulls thespring 160a which causes the plate 150 to move in direction A and movesthe protrusion 157 back into one of the slots 142 in the block 140 toset the spinning reel to a main drag condition.

If the main gear rotates in the opposite direction to direction F, iedirection G, the cams 182 will also impact on surface 188. However, inthis case the gently sloping or generally tangential cam surface 182awill contact the surface 188 of the lever 184, the lever will rotateabout the axis 165 in the direction D with almost no effect on theposition of the lever 162 any such slight relative movement beinglargely smoothed by the spring 186.

The provision of the spring 186 connecting levers 162 and 184 has twomain functions. First, it retains the lever 184 in contact with thelever 162 at 162a and secondly strengthens the wedge effect describedabove.

Thus the second embodiment of the present invention also provides anadjustable drag assembly and switching means for a simple uncomplicateddesign. The majority of the components can simply be stamped out fromsheet metal plate which makes the device cheap to manufacture incomparison with existing free spool devices. The size and arrangement ofthe components also makes the device easy to fit inside a spinning reelbody of standard size.

In the specific embodiments described, the main gear has four cams 182,although it will be appreciated that a single cam would suffice and thatthe number of cams defined on the main gear may be varied. Similarlyalthough the block 140 defines seven slots or notches 142, in fact anynumber of notches from a single notch upwards, could suffice.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown inthe specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive.

I claim:
 1. A spinning reel for fishing, comprising:a casing; a maingear; a handle shaft arranged to turn the main gear of the reel; a spoolshaft defining a first axial end and a second axial end, said spoolshaft being reciprocal in an axial direction during rotation of thehandle shaft, a spool provided at said first axial end of the spoolshaft mounted on the spool shaft by a front drag assembly, and anadjustable drag mechanism including a block fixed to the spool shaft,located at a second axial end of the shaft, opposite to the first axialend; a rotor for winding fishing line onto said spool; a switching meansfor selectively engaging the spinning reel between a first state being amain drag condition, in which the spool shaft is prevented from rotatingrelative to the casing, and a second state being a free spool state inwhich the spool shaft may be substantially free to rotate or may rotatesubject to light drag provided by, and depending on the setting of, theadjustable drag mechanism; the switching means including a switchmechanism, said switch mechanism including a plate which is mounted tomove parallel to the axial direction of the spool shaft, between a firstand a second stable position, said plate defining an engagement means atone of its ends, wherein when said switch mechanism is in the first ofthe two stable positions the engagement means engages with a matingengagement means in the block to prevent rotation of the block and thespool shaft relative to the switch means and the casing to cause thespinning reel to be in the main drag condition; and wherein the switchmechanism is movable to the second stable position in which theengagement means is disengaged from the mating engagement means in theblock, and the block and spool are free to rotate relative to the switchmeans and further comprisinga return means associated with the main gearof the reel for switching the spool from the free spool state to themain drag condition when the handle shaft is rotated in a direction toreel fishing line onto the spool.
 2. A spinning reel as claimed in claim1, wherein the engagement means comprises a protrusion and wherein themating engagement means comprises a slot or recess defined in the block.3. A spinning reel as claimed in claim 2 wherein the switching meanswhich moves the plate parallel to the spool shaft axis, defines a buttonwhich projects away from the casing of the spinning reel in a directionwhich is substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by a part of thecasing adjacent the button.
 4. A spinning reel as claimed in claim 1wherein a handle is adapted to turn the main gear of the reel and themain gear of the reel defines at least one engagement surface which isattached to the main gear but displaceable relative to the main gearbetween predetermined limits, and wherein the switching mechanismdefines a protrusion which, when the reel is in the free spool state iscontactable by the engagement surface defined on the main gear of thereel,whereby when the reel is switched from the first state, to thesecond state, the second state call be set without turning the main gearby means of displacement of the engagement means relative to the maingear.
 5. A spinning reel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plate ismoved between the first and second positions by a first lever whichrotates about an axis.
 6. A spinning reel as claimed in claim 5 whereinspring biasing means are provided to bias the first lever in first andsecond extreme positions corresponding to the spinning reel being in thefirst and second states, respectively.
 7. A spinning reel as claimed inclaim 6 wherein the plate includes an elongate slot and a projection isfixed to the first lever which projects from the first lever into theslot, the slot defining an engagement surface, the engagement surfacecomprising an edge of the elongate slot which is distal from the block,and wherein the projection and the plate are connected by a first springmeans which biases the projection towards the engagement surface andaway from the block, whereby movement of the projection away from theblock causes the projection to contact the engagement surface, and movethe plate away from the block, and movement of the projection towardsthe block causes a biasing force which moves the plate towards the blockthrough the first spring means.
 8. A spinning reel as claimed in claim 7wherein the first lever is fixed to a shaft which is mounted in thecasing of the spinning reel and defines the axis and wherein the shaftprojects outside the casing of the spinning reel and a switch is fixedto the shaft such that operation of the switch causes the main lever torotate about its axis.
 9. A spinning reel as claimed in claim 8 whereina handle is adapted to turn the main gear of the reel and wherein themain gear of the reel defines at least one cam which is fixed to themain gear, the spinning reel further including;a second lever mountedfor rotation about the axis, an extreme end of the second lever distalfrom the axis defining an end surface arranged to be contactable withsaid at least one cam defined on the main gear, the second lever beingconnected to the first lever by a second spring means which connects thesecond lever to a plate means which is integral with and extendsgenerally orthogonally from the first lever; wherein the plate means isdisposed in the path of the second lever as the second lever rotatesabout the axis and acts as a stop plate to limit the rotation of thesecond lever relative to the first lever, the spring means acting tobias the second lever towards the stop plate; whereby when the reel isin the free spool condition, rotation of the main gear in a firstdirection about its axis causes said at least one cam to engage with theend surface defined on the second lever and exert a force on the secondlever to rotate about the first axis in the opposite direction, the stopmeans preventing rotation in the opposite direction, further movement ofthe cam surface in the first direction forcing the second lever torotate in the first direction about the first axis by means of a wedgeeffect between the cam and the end surface due to an angle defined bythe end surface relative to a tangent to the main gear, thereby settingthe spinning reel back to a main drag condition.
 10. A spinning reel forfishing as claimed in claim 9 wherein said at least one cam defines aleading edge which is substantially radial to the main gear and agenerally tangential outer edge.
 11. A spinning reel for fishing,comprising:a casing; a main gear; a handle shaft arranged to turn themain gear of the spinning reel; a spool shaft defining a first axial endand a second axial end, said spool shaft being reciprocal in an axialdirection during rotation of the handle shaft, a spool provided at saidfirst axial end of the spool shaft mounted on the spool shaft by meansof an adjustable main drag assembly, and an adjustable drag mechanismincluding a block fixed to the spool shaft, located at a second axialend of the shaft, opposite to the first axial end; a rotor for windingfishing line onto said spool; a switching means for selectively engagingthe spinning reel between a first state being a main drag condition, inwhich the spool shaft is prevented from rotating relative to the casing,and a second state being a free spool state in which the spool shaft maybe free to rotate or may rotate subject to light drag provided by theadjustable drag mechanism; the switching means including a switchmechanism, said switch mechanism comprising a plate which is moveableparallel to the axial direction of the spool shaft, between a first anda second stable position, and defines a protrusion at one distal end; alever rotatable about an axis and operably connected to the plate suchthat the plate is moved between the first and second stable positions bymeans of rotation of the lever about the axis; wherein when said switchmechanism is in the first of the two stable positions the protrusionengages with a mating engagement means comprising a slot or recessdefined in the block which prevents rotation of the block and the spoolshaft relative to the switch means and the casing in which position thespinning reel is in a main drag condition; and wherein the switchmechanism is movable to the second position in which the protrusion isdisengaged from the mating engagement means in the block, in whichposition the spinning reel is in the free spool state and the block andspool are free to rotate relative to the switch means subject to theadjustable drag mechanism; and further comprisinga return meansassociated with the main gear of the reel for switching the spool fromthe free spool state to the main drag condition when the handle shaft isrotated in a direction to reel fishing line onto the spool.
 12. Aspinning reel as claimed in claim 11 wherein the plate includes anelongate slot and a projection is fixed to the lever which projects fromthe lever into the slot, the slot defining an engagement surface, theengagement surface comprising an edge of the elongate slot which isdistal from the block, and wherein the projection and the plate areconnected by a first spring means which biases the projection towardsthe engagement surface and away from the block, whereby movement of theprojection away from the block causes the projection to contact theengagement surface, and move the plate away from the block and movementof the projection towards the block causes a biasing force which movesthe plate towards the block through the spring means.
 13. A spinningreel as claimed in claim 12 wherein a handle is adapted to turn the maingear of the reel and wherein at least one cam is fixed to the main gear,the spinning reel further including;a second lever mounted for rotationabout the axis, an extreme end of the second lever distal from the axisdefining an end surface arranged to be contactable with said at leastcam defined on the main gear, the second lever being connected to thefirst lever by a second spring means which connects the second lever toa plate means which is integral with and extends generally orthogonallyfrom the first lever; wherein the plate means is disposed in the path ofthe second lever as the second lever rotates about the axis and acts asa stop plate to limit the rotation of the second lever from rotatingrelative to the first lever, the second spring means acting to bias thesecond lever towards the plate means; whereby when the reel is in thefree spool condition, rotation of the main gear in a first directionabout its axis causes one of the cams to engage with the end surfacedefined on the second lever and attempt to cause the second lever torotate about the first axis in the opposite direction, the stop meanspreventing rotation in the opposite direction, further movement of thecam surface in the first direction forcing the second lever to rotate inthe first direction about the first axis by means of a wedge effectbetween the cam and the end surface thereby setting the spinning reelback to the main drag condition.
 14. A spinning reel for fishingcomprising:a casing; a handle shaft arranged to turn a main gear; aspool shaft defining a first axial end and a second axial end, saidspool shaft being reciprocal in an axial direction during rotation ofthe handle shaft; a spool mounted on said first axial end of the spoolshaft by a main drag assembly, and an adjustable drag mechanismincluding a block fixed to the spool shaft, located at a second axialend of the shaft, opposite to the first axial end; a rotor for windingfishing line onto said spool; a switching means for selectively engagingthe spinning reel between a main drag condition, in which the spoolshaft is prevented from rotating relative to the casing, and a freespool state in which the spool shaft is subject to any drag provided bythe adjustable drag mechanism; the switching means including a switchmechanism, said switch mechanism being mounted to move parallel to theaxial direction of the spool shaft, between a first and a secondposition, and defining an engagement means at one of its ends; whereinwhen said switch mechanism is in the first of the two positions theengagement means engages with a mating engagement means in the block toprevent rotation of the block and the spool shaft relative to the switchmeans and the casing; and wherein the switch mechanism is movable to theposition in which the engagement means is disengaged from the matingengagement means in the block, and the block and spool are free torotate relative to the switch means subject to the adjustable dragmechanism; and further comprisinga returns means associated with themain gear of the reel for switching the spool from the free spool stateto the main drag condition when the handle shaft is rotated in adirection to reel fishing line onto the spool.
 15. A spinning reel asclaimed in claim 14 wherein the plate is moved between the first andsecond positions by a first lever which rotates about an axis.
 16. Aspinning reel as claimed in claim 15 wherein spring biasing means areprovided to bias the first lever in first and second extreme positionscorresponding to the spinning reel being in the main drag condition andfree spool states, respectively.
 17. A spinning reel as claimed in claim16 wherein the first lever is fixed to a shaft which is mounted in thecasing of the spinning reel and defines the axis and wherein the shaftprojects outside the casing of the spinning reel and a switch is fixedto the shaft such that operation of the switch causes the main lever torotate about its axis.
 18. A spinning reel as claimed in claim 17wherein a handle is adapted to turn the main gear of the reel andwherein the main gear of the reel defines at least one cam which isfixed to the main gear, the spinning reel further including;a secondlever mounted for rotation about the axis, an extreme end of the secondlever distal from the axis defining an end surface contactable with atleast one cam defined on the main gear, the second lever being connectedto the first lever by a spring means which connects the second lever toa plate means which is integral with and extends generally orthogonallyfrom the first lever; wherein the plate means is disposed in the path ofthe second lever as it rotates about the axis and acts as a stop plateto limit the rotation of the second lever relative to the first lever,the spring means acting to bias the second lever towards the stop plate;the arrangement being such that when the reel is in the free spoolcondition, rotation of the main gear in a first direction about its axiscauses said at least one cam to engage with the end surface defined onthe second lever and exert a force on the second lever to rotate aboutthe first axis in the opposite direction, but wherein the stop meanspreventing rotation in the opposite direction, further movement of thecam surface in the first direction forcing the second lever to rotate inthe first direction about the first axis by means of a wedge effectbetween the cam and the end surface due to an angle defined by the endsurface relative to a tangent to the main gear, thereby setting thespinning reel back to a main drag condition.
 19. A spinning reel forfishing as claimed in claim 18 wherein each cam defines a leading edgewhich is substantially radial to the main gear and a generallytangential outer edge.